Pakistan has extended the ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until January 23, 2026, according to an official notification issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The restriction applies to all aircraft registered in India, covering commercial passenger flights, cargo planes, leased aircraft, and military flights.
The ban remains in effect across both of Pakistan’s major Flight Information Regions (FIRs), Karachi (OPKR) and Lahore (OPLR), effectively preventing Indian-operated aircraft from transiting Pakistani airspace on domestic or international routes. This means Indian airlines will continue to rely on longer alternative routes, increasing flight times and operational costs for destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North America.
The extension follows a series of similar renewals since the airspace restriction was first imposed amid heightened bilateral tensions. Aviation officials say the decision was taken in line with existing security and policy considerations, and any future review will depend on developments at the diplomatic and regional level.
The continued closure has significant implications for the aviation sector, as Pakistani airspace is a key transit corridor for South Asian flights heading west. Indian carriers, in particular, face higher fuel expenses and scheduling challenges due to detours, while foreign airlines not covered by the ban continue to use Pakistani airspace as normal.
The PAA stated that all relevant international aviation bodies and stakeholders have been informed of the extension, and standard procedures remain in place to ensure the safety and management of air traffic within Pakistan’s airspace.
